The state House passed an amendment proposed by Rep. Ted Davis (R-New Hanover) that changes North Carolina's film incentive tax credit to a Grant Fund, similar to a proposal that has already passed theMore >>

Rep. Ted Davis (R-New Hanover) said he realized he did not have the votes in the state House to extend the current film incentives in North Carolina. Davis introduced a proposal to create a Grant Fund "to encourage the production of motion pictures, television shows, and commercials and to develop the film-making industry" in the state.More >>

Sparks has filmed several of his novel-turned-movies in Hollywood East, including The Longest Ride, which will be released next year and Safe Haven, which was shot in 2012. In 2001, A Walk to Remember used Southport as its location.

"I feel that Nicholas Sparks is committed to showing the world the beauty of the state in which we live," Bromley said.

In 2009, Wilmington lost out on being the location for The Last Song, a Sparks movie starring Miley Cyrus, even though the novel of the same name was based in the Port City.

Georgia's more competitive tax incentive at the time lured the production away.

The production office opens in September, with filming expected to be finished around November or December.

The Choice is being directed by Ross Katz, and produced by Peter Safran, Nicholas Sparks, and Theresa Park. Production design is being headed by Mark Garner.

Safran was also a producer on The Conjuring which also filmed in Wilmington.

About The Choice

Synopsis:

Travis Parker has everything a man could want: a good job; loyal friends; his dream home in small-town North Carolina. In full pursuit of the good life, he believes that a serious relationship with a woman would only cramp his style. That is until Gabby Holland moves in next door. Despite Travis's attempts to be friendly, she seems to have a chip on her shoulder about him. But something compels Travis to get to know his new neighbor. His persistent efforts lead them both to make tough decisions, the consequences of which neither could have foreseen. The Choice confronts us with that most heart-wrenching question of all: how far would you go to keep the hope of love alive?